For gallery owner Melissa Tiffany of the newly relocated Orange Line Gallery (OLG), doors are used as modular wall units in her new space. Much of the current show there, “In Fine Fettle,” hangs from doors that are hinged together in zigzags, standing together in groups of three that create a labyrinth-like interior.
The result is an interior pattern that directs the viewer into confined areas where the focus is on individual pieces hanging from each door. The simple idea leaves room for endless options of interior design.
“I got the doors from Habitat for Humanity. I love that place,” said Tiffany, who is still putting work into the overall interior space.
About two-thirds of the 2000 square feet of gallery are complete.
The rest is used for conference space and a studio that Tiffany uses to produce her own art. There are ideas “in the works” for the space that Tiffany will undoubtedly make reality.
The new location on the 300 block of Montgomery Street is a big change from OLG’s previous one at Coffee Pavilion in Hanover Square. It is now neighbor to Onondaga Historical Association’s museum and archives, the downtown YMCA (home of gallerY), St. Paul’s Church and the recently renovated Masonic Temple building. Beautiful and convenient, the block expands downtown to the Civic Center, the OnCenter and the Everson.
“Just look at this view,” Tiffany said. “ I love Montgomery Street. I love the business owners who are neighbors and the soup kitchen across the street. It all makes sense, just like in any community if you take the time to learn about humans.”
The gallery is part of the Th3 gallery walk that includes the OHA and gallerY on the same block.
Orange Line Gallery’s Current exhibit
About 150 guests attended the opening of the new exhibit, “In Fine Fettle” on Oct. 16. While we spoke at the gallery, several of Tiffany’s friends dropped by, to whom she demonstrated the show, pointing out details and providing her own reactions.
The exhibit features new artists Chris Luchsinger and Brandon Hall, as well as long-standing OLG artists Jace Collins, Dustin Angel, Father Andrew, Marna Bell, vintage movie posters from B-movie buff Jeff Meyer, and collages by Tiffany herself.
Tiffany has a mature history of curating exhibits, representing artists and connecting with the art community. Her enthusiasm for all the newness is evident from her personal knowledge of each artist and how she relates to their work.
For example, she can’t say enough about the 10-foot mural by Luchsinger that he meticulously filled with colors and patterns in graff style. Work like his, mixed with dreamlike photos by Kevin Lucas, is what one should expect from OLG if familiar with their previous location.
Use of built-in shelving space displays ceramics, also by newcomer Luchsinger. Step after step around the door maze, visitors encounter photos of Trichillo’s postcard-pretty exteriors, then Angel’s monumental driftwoods.
Tiffany’s own dynamic collages compliment Fr. Albert’s shattered and energetic patterns that appear to regenerate on their own. Ready-to-go matted prints are for sale by several artists.
The skinny
